ZZ Top is an American blues rock band that has been making waves in the music industry for nearly five decades. Formed in Houston, Texas in 1970, the band consists of Billy Gibbons (vocals and guitar), Dusty Hill (bass guitar and vocals), and Frank Beard (drums). With their unique blend of blues, rock, and humor, ZZ Top has become one of the most successful and enduring bands in history.
The Origin of the Band's Name
For many years, the origin of ZZ Top's name remained a mystery. Some theories included the two brands of rolling paper, Zig-Zag and Top; a tribute to blues legend Z.Z. Hill; Z-shaped barn-door braces Gibbons once saw at a farm; and/or Billy Gibbons seeing the two words running together on a dilapidated bill board. But according to Billy Gibbons himself, the real origin of the band's name is derived from the name of blues master B.B. King. They wanted to call themselves Z.Z. King but sounded too similar to their blues legend hero. They figured that "King" was at the "top" so thus settled on ZZ Top.
A Legendary Career
With their third album, Tres Hombres (1973), ZZ Top gained wide acclaim and continued touring, recording, and releasing albums until 1977 when they took an extended hiatus. During this time, both Hill and Gibbons grew the chest-length beards that quickly became a part of their "wildman" image. They reunited two and a half years later to start recording under their new Warner Brothers contract.
The Eliminator Era
ZZ Top's 1983 album Eliminator was boosted to prominence by memorable music videos for the tracks "Gimme All Your Lovin'", "Legs", and "Sharp-Dressed Man". Each of these iconic songs featured a small bright red Ford '34 3 window hotrod called The Eliminator and a trio of mysterious, beautiful women who travel around helping various people. This album also featured a distinctive synthesizer-laced sound which added a modern, new wave edge to the music and helped it become successful.
The Years that Followed
After Eliminator, ZZ Top continued to release albums, with some critics expressing frustration at their use of synthesizers and sequencers in their music. However, on subsequent albums, less and less synth- and synchronizer-influenced music was heard. An occasional song with those elements and instruments is included on recent albums as a nod to their past.
Recent Years
In 1994, ZZ Top signed a five-disc deal with RCA Record. While some fans have expressed disappointment with RCA's promotion of these releases, many feel that the recordings of this era are as artistically strong as the earlier London and Warner Brothers recordings. In 2003, a comprehensive collection of recordings from the London and Warner Brother years entitled "Chrome, Smoke & BBQ" was released. Also in 2003, ZZ Top was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
The Current State
As of 2006, it is reported that ZZ Top is recording their 15th studio album. Despite the ups and downs throughout their career, ZZ Top remains one of the most beloved and enduring bands in rock history. With their unique blend of blues, humor, and style, they continue to entertain fans around the world.
ZZ Top Live at Treasure Island Resort & Casino
If you're a fan of ZZ Top, you won't want to miss them live at the Treasure Island Resort & Casino in Welch, MN, USA. The legendary band will be performing their iconic hits, including "La Grange", "Tush", and "Gimme All Your Lovin'", as well as some surprises from their extensive discography.
Get Your Lynyrd Skynyrd and ZZ Top Tickets
Don't miss the chance to see two of rock's most legendary bands perform live at the Treasure Island Resort & Casino. Get your Lynyrd Skynyrd and ZZ Top tickets today!